June 17, 2010.
Wow...solstice weekend, and lots going on, on beautiful Salt Spring Island!
ArtCraft opens on June 18th, and showcases artistic production from the Gulf Islands right up until September 19th. Something new this year: a gift shop/artist gallery concept. Check it out! Open daily, 10 to 5. Yes, ArtCraft opening, in Mahon Hall, means the beginning of summer! The ArtCraft Showcase Gallery is featuring Kathy & Deon Venter, June 18 to 30, with an opening reception on the 18th, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Second Annual Masterpiece Weekend is a much awaited event, and showcases an artist's best work. 24 artists have been invited to take part this year...held at ArtSpring's gallery, the show runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, the 18th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday the 19th, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, the 20th. Masterpiece Weekend is organized by the Salt Spring Fine Art Group: Galleon's Lap Atelier-Gallery, Jill Louise Campbell Fine Art Gallery, Gallery 8, Martinus Studio-Gallery, Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art, Steffich Fine Art, Stone Fish Gallery with sculptor Allan Crane, and sponsors Hastings House Country House Hotel and ArtSpring. Friday will see the artists in attendance, from 6 to 8 p.m. This is an amazing event, with stellar works for your appreciation and enjoyment -- be there!
Starfish Gallery in Grace Point Square is showcasing Wildlife Bronzes by Paul Harder from June 17th, today, through to the 30th.
A celebration of the arts takes place on Galiano Island this solstice weekend, too! The Kunamokst mural is to be unveiled at its permanent home, plus the 19-20 sees an art show and sale in the gardens and the inn, from noon to 5 p.m. An artist's reception on Sunday the 20th runs from 1 to 3 p.m., with classical music performed by Toby Beaulieu. The mural will be unveiled at 3 p.m. If you're on Galiano, catch this entire event!
Wow...Russell DeCarle, along with sidemen Steve Briggs and Denis Keldie, will be playing at Fulford Hall on the 19th. DeCarle is a founding member of the acclaimed Prairie Oyster. The Salt Spring Folk Club presents this great evening...concert tickets available at Stuff & Nonsense, in Fulford, and at Salt Spring Books and Acoustic Planet, in Ganges. Concert begins at 7 p.m. Enjoy!
Salt Spring Vineyard is also hosting a Summer Solstice Salt Spring Celebration, on the 20th, noon to 6 p.m. A full line up of live music is promised, including: Silk, Harry and Friends, David Jaquest, Oliver B on fiddle, Norris and Friends. Tasty delights from local restaurants to be served during the celebration.
The terrific Music and Munch series continues, at All Saints by the Sea, on June 26th, with Braveheart, a Montreal based trio offering live jazz. Tickets at the door: don't miss this!
Steffich Fine Art, in Grace Point Square, presents an exhibition and sale of new paintings by Carol Haigh, opening today, the 17th. Carol also is featured at the Masterpiece Weekend event, at ArtSpring.
On June 23, Music and Munch presents Billie Woods and Mike Wall and their rhythmic and spontaneous sounds...an homage to Brazilian popular music. Free music begins at 12:10 p.m. at All Saints by the Sea. Enjoy!
Saturday, the 19th, it's Uncle Wiggly's Hot Shoes Blues Band, at Moby's. Don't miss this...music starts at 8 p.m. On the 20th, it's jazz at Moby's (starting at 7 p.m.).
Gallery 8 Spring Show continues, The Salt Spring Gallery of Fine Art, on McPhillips, just above the Library, offers terrific artists in their eclectic cooperative gallery, plus more localized venues such as Cafe Talia's art display, Salt Spring Roasting Company's gallery wall, Calvin's Bistro's art exhibit (thanks to Gallery 8), and Bocados Bistro's showcase (also thanks to Gallery 8)....catch it all over this lovely weekend.
So much to see and to do, this solstice weekend, the longest day of the year, the official calendar start of summer...take it all in! It's our Island, and it's terrific!
P.S. Catch my podcasts of interviews with some of the featured artists at the Masterpiece Weekend show: Jerry Davidson, Ronald T. Crawford, Allan Crane, who were kind enough to drop by my early morning radio show on the community station, cfsi, at 107.9fm, and to share their thoughts on the importance of this weekend's events -- (www.liread.com/radio.htm).
How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me!
